weekend getaway

You know I take my packing seriously — especially so when I’m packing for another time zone and country.

This Irish weekend getaway came together unexpectedly and rather last minute, but my packing list is assuredly solid. So while I’m off exploring Dublin and the Irish countryside, I thought I would leave you with my 10 packing essentials for a weekend getaway that will keep you organized and well dressed wherever you may be heading!

1. Black Blazer

This is an effortlessly chic staple to have on hand at all times regardless of where you’re going and what time of year! A black blazer can serve as an extra layer to keep you warm(er) during the day exploring, or as an easy way to dress up a basic tee or blouse. Not to mention that it’s flattering, works with virtually all of your pieces and holds up well to wrinkles.

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2. Jeans

One weekend requires one pair of jeans. Select a comfortable pair, as this is what you’re most likely to wear during the day or while actually traveling to and from your destination. The cut is up to you, but keep in mind that darker washes and more fitted silhouettes are easier to dress up at night than a baggier, distressed, boyfriend style.

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3. Versatile Pumps

Hello?! Have you invested in a quality pair of black leather/suede pumps yet?! What are you waiting for?! Before you throw any old pair of shoes into your bag, keep in mind that a trip to a new city or foreign destination is NOT the time you want to be worrying about blisters or painful footwear. If you’re selective about your shoe choices, you’ll be more likely to make the most of your time away and focus less on being uncomfortable.

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4. Comfortable Booties

I always like to have a non-sneaker casual option on hand when traveling. While athleisure and sneakers are definitely more acceptable to wear out and about all over the world, I still feel like an actual bootie is a step up in terms of style. Again, comfort is key, so select a bootie that you’ll know will keep up with your busy itinerary!

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5. Oversized Scarf

Summer, winter… it doesn’t matter. I absolutely believe in the power of an oversized scarf. The pop of pattern, texture and color is great for elevating any basic wardrobe staple and making it a stand out. Plus… I’m always cold so it’s nice to have something to get wrapped up in.

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6. Black Pants

My personal favorite choice of black pants is leather. I love having a well-fitting pair of black pants for getting dressed up at night. Although, I’ve found that I’ve been wearing my leather pants during daytime activities as well (you can find out more HERE!). Leather doesn’t wrinkle or stain easily and a good pair can be worn multiple times without stretching or sagging.

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7. Cross Body Bag

While I recommend a large tote for your actual travel day, I also suggest slipping a small cross body bag into your suitcase or tote. You’ll want to have this smaller style for days you want to be hands free, or nights when the large tote is just too bulky. I like mine in a punchy color (like my favorite pink Chloe FAYE) to add some zip to my neutrals.

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8. Fitted Dress

I am not generally a dress person, but I can’t recommend a dress enough for travel. It’s an easy 1 piece outfit option on its own, or can become a base layer for many different outfits with a bit of creative styling. I recommend a fitted or biased cut dress in a stretchy, jersey, or ribbed fabric in order to provide you with the most versatile layering piece. In addition, this type of style (jersey, ribbed, stretchy, etc.) is less likely to wrinkle when stowed in a suitcase. Double bonus.

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9. White Blouse

I’m sure you’re probably sick of me talking about this singular piece. I can’t help it… it’s that good. You can see for yourself HERE. I love my basic silk blouse for all seasons and for this trip, I’m going to be using it as a base layer to wear under sweaters and with my all time favorite DENIM JUMPER. Again.

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10. Cozy Sweater

Even during summer’s hottest months I never travel without a sweater. I generally wear mine on travel days (those airplane cabins get cold!), but I also like to have a sweater for lounging in my hotel room. A cozy sweater for the colder months is much more obvious, yet still important. I look for soft knit, slightly oversized shapes and avoid anything too fitted, or too bulky — you don’t want that sweater to take up important real estate inside your suitcase!

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We’ve covered the what of packing essentials, now here’s the HOW when it comes to getting them into your suitcase!

My A#1 most important rule of all — stick to a color palate. All of your items should mix and match effortlessly.

I start packing my bag by laying my shoes (stored in their protective dust covers) along the bottomof my bag — fill in any gaps with small items like socks, belts, underwear, etc.

Tightly roll your soft knits (t-shirts, sweaters, leggings, etc.) and fold your more structured pieces (blazers, jackets, pants, jeans). The rolled items should be placed on top of the shoes, with the folded items placed on top. Not only does this method ensure less wrinkles, but it also creates more space!

The last items that should be placed in your bag are your most delicate — blouses, dresses or anything else more likely to get wrinkled in transit.

I like to cover the top layer of my clothing with a clear plastic bag or dry cleaning garment bag and make sure to tuck in the edges. Not only does this keep everything secure and in place, but it also prevents any clothes from getting accidentally snagged by the suitcase zipper. You can then use that plastic bag on the return trip to store all of your dirty laundry!

All the ladies in the family are heading to Las Vegas this weekend to celebrate a 50th, a 40th, a 30th, AND a double 21st (twins, y’all!) birthday. For a multitude of reasons, I had to sit this one out and as expected, I’m now kicking myself for not booking the trip.

You’ll just have to pour one out for me this weekend, girls… but enough of my whining!

I’ve got a very important memo to share: How to pack for a Las Vegas weekend getaway.

The long weekend is SO close, I can almost taste it. Wait… perhaps I am still tasting yesterday’s delicious ‘Dark & Stormy‘ adult beverage? Regardless, although I’m staying put and hosting out of town guests this weekend, I couldn’t be more excited for the sunny days ahead. Can you believe it- three days of sunshine, temps in the 70’s and weekend festivities!? Yeah, I know. #toogoodtobetrue

For those of you packing your overnight bags, hopefully this post gave you a bit of patriotic inspiration.

Well, every few months or so, I seem to have a miserable, no-good, terrible, very-bad day with the kids. The kind of day that makes me question my strength, stamina, self-control and general ability to successfully raise a small child, small animal, or even a small house-plant. Apparently, I was due for one of those doozies yesterday. Since I’m totally a creature of habit, 2 things are certain to take place on unfortunate days like that:

1) I clean compulsively (probably to fool myself into thinking I have some sort of control)

2) I start looking at escape options (a.k.a. vacations without the kids)

In all truthfulness, I already had started thinking about potential New England retreats for a family friend who asked for some recommendations earlier in the day. So it should come as no surprise that the first thing I did when my relief team came in to scoop the menagerie to Grandma’s house (THANK YOU, J! I owe you one), was fire up the computer and start researching Berkshire vacations. Living in New York City, the Berkshire Mountains were an easy road trip away, yet worlds away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. It was a rustic, quiet, lush, and just a slower pace of living. Ahhhhh…. sounds pretty good, right? Well, it is. While I haven’t been to the Berkshires in AGES, here is my mountain escape “wish-list,” if you will.

Definitely The Stonover Farm in Lenox, MA. It’s a small luxury farmhouse inn owned by a former L.A. record executive and his wife. It’s also anything but typical! Think Armani vs. Laura Ashley. Think elegant and neutral vs. cluttered and bright. Think rustic-sophisticated… that’s probably the most accurate way to describe the Stonover vibe. When you’re back from taking in a summer concert at Tanglewood (home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra), just knock on the School House Suite. That’s where I’ll be staying!